Autonomous Vehicle Seating System

ABSTRACT

An autonomous vehicle utilizing seating system to assist the vehicle driver when operating a vehicle in either autonomous drive mode or in manual drive mode, the system for this process is an autonomous driving computer system comprising input and output protocol data to assess the status of the vehicle&#39;s environment. Accordingly the seating control system manages the user seating unit the seat unit comprises at least one adjustable arm to reattach and reposition a frame containing an air bag and method for a power control system to charge control console devices such as a smart cellphone utilizing telecommunication network systems and operating instruments comprising methodologies to monitor and to navigate the vehicle during the manual and autonomous driving process.

CROSS REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

A notice of issuance for divisional patent application Ser. No.12/655,569, file date Jan. 4, 2010, Publication number: US20110162896A1, titled: A Mode of Transportation Type Having Inner MotorizedOmniwheel Apparatus and Method of Control”. This application is also inreference to and related to; Publication number: U.S. Pat. No. 8,430,192B2, on Apr. 30, 2013, titled: Robotic Omniwheel Vehicle, the contents ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Non Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCING LISTING, TABLE, OR COMPUTER PROGRAM CD

Non Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to an autonomous vehicle comprising arepositioning seating system utilizing a re-attachable computer controlconsole including interactive input and output devices to position thevehicle driver in forward direction when switching from autonomous drivemode to manual drive mode to navigate, and also an autonomous drivecomputing system utilizing drive modes, perception sensors, lidar andradar systems, GPS, etc., and wireless telecommunication network system,MEMS cell phone navigation, remote controller devices, and the like todrive vehicle type through an environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Improvements to autonomous vehicles are necessary as the level oftransport sophistication increases more comfortable seating unit isrequired by the user and passengers therefore what the present seatingsystem provides is an improved control console device comprising anexpanded set of user device options accordingly, user seating unitsreposition in various ways and each seat unit automatically rotates inpanoramic positions for ultimate viewing and comfort, and to initiallyreposition the seated vehicle driver in forward direction when switchingfrom autonomous drive mode to manual drive mode to navigate the vehiclevia an autonomous drive computing system to assist the vehicle driverwhen operating a vehicle in either autonomous drive mode or manual drivemodes the process system comprising input and output protocol data toassess the status of the vehicle's environment devices includingwireless telecommunication network system, MEMS cell phone navigation,remote controller devices, and the like to achieve driving process. Theuser seating unit comprises at least one adjustable arm to reattach andreposition frame containing an air bag, a power control system to chargeuser remote controller devices, and also utilizing a touch screenmonitor including various user operating gauges to monitor the vehicleduring manual and autonomous driving process via telecommunicationnetwork systems.

SUMMARY

Accordingly the present application discloses embodiments that relate tomethods for an improved autonomous vehicle seating system comprisingsmart methodologies to accommodate a driver and passengers. The seatingsystem comprises a repositioning and adjustable driver seating unit forinteractive use and to assists the vehicle driver when operating avehicle in either autonomous drive mode or manual drive modes whichinclude processor systems comprising: input and output protocol data toassess the status of the vehicle's environment, and sense a driver whilesitting in a seating unit system. The seat unit accommodating passengersto include at least one adjustable arm supporting one dash panelcontaining a control console device comprising user input and outputdevices; a touch screen monitor including various user operating gauges,a power control system, a device charging port, and USB power ports withcable and for wireless connections, and utilizing a cell phone systemwith voice control to monitor and navigate the vehicle during autonomousdriving process, and a radio and telecommunication network system andother remote control devices, the vehicle components and seating systemassemblies are fabricated in a preferred method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary autonomous vehicle with reconfigurableseating system.

FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary autonomous vehicle seating unit.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary system that may be used in avehicle type 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates one exemplary user seat unit 13 framed panel 7containing an airbag 12.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary seating system console array includingvarious input and output devices.

FIG. 5 illustrating a reachable panel 7 actions on the seat's right arm.

FIG. 6 is illustrating a reachable panel 7 and an adjustable motion viaarrows to accommodate positioning near the drivers steering wheel.

FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B illustrates an exemplary reclining seat unit facingto the rear cab compartment when in a drive mode.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary passenger compartment of an autonomoussedan with reconfigurable seat system is also comprising a rail systemfor repositioning the driver smart seat inside the autonomous vehiclecab compartment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of an autonomous reconfigurable seating system usedin the vehicle.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary representation of an autonomous vanwith repositioning seating units.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary representation of a multi-passengervehicle with repositioning seating units.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary representation of a compact two seatervehicle with repositioning seating units.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary representation of a truck for semihauling or for recreation vehicle with reconfigurable seat system isalso comprising a fifth wheel to connect a trailer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An exemplary autonomous vehicle includes a passenger compartment and atleast one seat located in the passenger compartment. The seat can bemoved from a front-facing position to a rear-facing position when thevehicle is stationary or while the vehicle is operating in an autonomousdrive mode. In some implementations, the seat with a bottom portion anda back portion may recline. The seating unit may be configured to movefrom a front-facing position, to a center position, diagonal or traversepositions and rear-facing position by rotation. Moreover, the seatingunit comprises the instrument panel (7) in certain implementations whichpivots and detaches off the seat unit arm and other improvement featuresthat are described further below.

Hereinafter it is understood that the term “vehicle 1” or “mode oftransportation type” or other similar term as used herein is inclusiveof motor vehicles in general such are autonomous driven and manuallydriven having a frame 2 and chassis with body 3 suited for any vehicletype (e.g., vehicle's as users and passenger automobiles including taxi,trip hired, military utility vehicles (MUV), vans, buses, trucks,semi-trucks and various commercial vehicles with container trailers,rail cars, hyperloop and high speed vacuum transit systems, watercraftincluding a variety of boats and ships, aircraft, blimps, outer spacestations and the like), which may include; hybrid vehicles, electricvehicles, combustion, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, roboticomniwheel driven, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other alternative fuelcell vehicles (e.g. fuels derived from resources other than petroleum,renewable energy powered vehicles solar, wind and the like) to power thedrive system 4. The vehicle body 3 may utilize a door mechanism (6)either hinged, sliding or batwing like as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 8, and10-13.

The vehicle type maybe not be an autonomous driving vehicle, however thepresent disclosure is an autonomous vehicle 1 including a variety ofautonomous and manual drive communication devices and comprising variousautonomous driving computer system (ADCS 200) utilizing input and outputdevices which are transmitting data to various processors within thevehicle navigational control system comprising: a method including thevehicle navigation system to include a manual drive control steeringwheel used as an input device and thus the steering wheel device issituated on the vehicle dash panel transforming physical functionalityof manual drive control (e.g., as shown by arrows in FIG. 1A, and FIG.6); a method including a drive logic navigation control systemcomprising an ON/OFF switch allowing the autonomous drive mode ofnavigation control to change to the manual drive mode of navigationcontrol; a manual drive mode authorizing vehicle driver 24 to drive whena mishap issue develops automatic drive logic seating unit navigationsystem to sense position of the driver seated inside the cab compartment5.

The vehicle cab compartment 5 where passengers 30 may sit while thevehicle 1 driver 29 is operating the vehicle. In addition, the cabcompartment 5 comprising controls that only allow a driver 29 to controlthe operation of the vehicle 1. Examples of controls may include asteering wheel 20, an accelerator pedal 21, a brake pedal 22, etc.Although illustrated as a sedan, the vehicle 1 may include any passengeror a commercial vehicle type as discussed above.

Although an exemplary vehicle embodiment is described as using aplurality of sensor units (207) are to perform the exemplary ADCS 200process, it is understood that one or plurality of systems are toperform one or more processes and method of control will be described indetails with reference to the drawings and assigned the same referencenumbers which are described in the following paragraphs.

As shown in FIG. 1A the autonomous vehicle 1 comprising a plurality ofsystems are to perform one or more processes and method of control iscomprising various processes to navigate a vehicle manually processsteps in any order the process may include in any order: a seatingsystem (exampled in FIGS. 3-5) with an expanded set of user input andoutput device options including a fully-programmable touch screen withcontrol menus and icons configured to control any function within thevehicle (e.g., seating unit navigation system, radio, video, climatecontrol, connected mobile device, etc.). The vehicle 1 is comprising anautomatic drive logic system to sense position of the driver 29 whenseated in driver seat unit (13D) and to sense position of the passenger30 when seated in passenger seat unit (13P).

As exampled in FIGS. 1A and 1B an autonomous vehicle 1 may take manydifferent forms and include multiple and/or alternate components andfacilities. While an exemplary vehicle is shown, the exemplarycomponents illustrated are not intended to be limiting. Indeed,additional or alternative components and/or implementations may be used.Moreover, the components shown in the FIGS. are not necessarily drawn toscale.

In one embodiment, the vehicle type 1 utilizing an autonomous vehicledriving system 200 to plot a course accordingly. A vehicle driver whenseated 13D is to manage the vehicle by selecting input control devices209 for navigating the vehicle in the autonomous drive mode 201 and alsoin the manual drive mode 202 executed by drive logic control system 203assessing algorithms, and also using optical sensor clusteringalgorithms, programs, software and the processor as described further inFIG. 2 and also, shown in FIG. 1A, the autonomous vehicle 1 is toinclude a smart seating system 23-28 situated inside the vehicle cabcompartment 5 thus accommodating a plurality of seating units 13 forusers 29/30 the main seating unit for the driver 29 (13D) comprises anavigation dash control panel 7 comprising thereon various navigationcontrol console device components 8.

The seating unit for the driver 29 is situated on the driver's side asshown of vehicle e.g., depending on the country region either right orleft side and always facing forward inside the vehicle cab. The vehicleand seating system as illustrated is a van or sedan type whichaccommodates multi passenger 30 seating units (13P1, 13P2, and 13P3,etc.).

Also shown in FIG. 1A, the vehicle drivers 29 seating unit 13D is ableto control manual driving with an array of input driving devicesincluding a steering wheel 20, toggle or joystick device 19, a brakepedal 22, and accelerator pedal 21 in accordance, one embodiment, thevehicle type 1 utilizing an autonomous vehicle driving system 200 toplot a course accordingly as vehicle driver is seated 13D and toultimately operate the vehicle by selecting input driving controldevices 209 for navigating the vehicle in the autonomous drive mode 101and also in the manual drive mode 202 executed by output devices such asa drive logic control system 203 with assessing algorithms, and alsooptical sensor clustering algorithms 207, programs/software 213 and theprocessor 211 e.g. described further in FIG. 2.

In one aspect, the autonomous vehicle 1 is to include a smart seatingsystem 13 comprising a plurality of seating units the main seat for thedriver 29 and 13D comprises a navigation dash control panel 7, and alsoincluding various driving console components 8 situated on the driverside facing forward inside the vehicle cab. The vehicle seating systemas illustrated also accommodates passengers 13P1, 13P2, and 13P3 withtheir own console device 8 described further in FIG. 1B.

As shown in FIG. 1B the driver seating unit 13D communicates data andreceives data from various processors within the autonomous drivingcomputing system 200 comprising input control devices for the manualdriving procedure. The driver 29 is to utilize a seating system (23) forthe manual driving operations whereby the seating system 23 assist thedriver as seated to select a dashboard panel 7 situated in front toeasily reach. The dashboard containing manual driving components isincluding a steering wheel 20 to control the autonomous vehicle steeringwhen in manual drive mode 202 or using a detachable hand controlledconsole device comprising a monitor with touch screen and displaycontroller buttons, toggles and gauges (8) for the procedure.

The panel 7 contains user components in a preferred way various usercomponents are input devices such as a lap top computer with touch padand monitor 7, a smart cell phone 9, a hand held controller device 10,and for user protection the panel may include a built in air bag device12.

The panel 7 may comprise a toggle 19 working like a joystick toaccelerate and brake to drive the vehicle differently than a steeringwheel method, the driver 28 most like will use a conventional steeringwheel 20 method to drive the vehicle using corresponding acceleratorpedal 21 and brake pedal 22 devices.

The control console device 8 touchscreen may be configured by theprocessor to execute various control functions, and may include one ormore wireless control elements in addition to or instead of those shownfor example, the control console may include additional user controllercomponents or system forms to pilot the vehicle from the driver seatunit 13D by various control signals to include: a microphone configuredto receive audio (e.g., voice command or input). The autonomous vehiclesystem is comprising one or more driver input and output devices foroperating an autonomous vehicle temporarily in manual drive mode 202 andfor operating an autonomous vehicle in autonomous drive mode 201. Thesteps required to drive the vehicle are corresponding to controlling ofthe drive logic mode 203 and various vehicle system procedures which aredescribed further below.

As exampled in FIGS. 1A and 1 n FIG. 8 the autonomous vehicle's cabcompartment 5 comprises at least one vehicle seat unit 13 or an array ofseat units which can be grouped to face the same direction or face eachother or oppose each other, when in either the forward operatingposition or the facing to the rear, as shown the passenger seating unit13P1 is facing to the rear (e.g., shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B the vehicleseat unit 13 or an array of seat units can be grouped to face the samedirection or face each other or oppose each other) via seating methods23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28.

In one aspect, the driver 29 is alerted to prepare to take over if aproblem is determined, the seat automatically turns slowly, andaccordingly the seating system motor 16 rotates the seat repositioningautomatically to face forward. The seating system motor 16 is coupled tothe compartment 5 floor subsystem referring to FIG. 3. The seatingsystem 23 seating unit 13 can be arranged to glide vertically about on arail 17 system which may be lateral or circular. An array of multipleseating units they can be situated to set side by side, front to back,and according each seat unit is to inner-connect and communicate ingroup series via USB and cable lines 18 within electrical system (notshown) that is manage by a power control system 208 (e.g., describedfurther in autonomous driving computing system 200 or the ADCS process200).

As shown, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the logical autonomousdriving computing system 200 discussed herein may include variations andentities an autonomous driving computing system incorporated into thevehicle type. The autonomous driving computing system 200 (ADCS) iscapable of communicating with various input and output device and I/Ocomponents to maneuver the vehicle autonomously system, accordingly theADCS process includes wherein, the autonomous drive mode 201, the manualdrive mode 201 and the drive logic mode 203, and a navigation mode 204,and include various input devices 205, output devices 206, perceptionsensor system 207, trajectory device system 208, telecommunicationsystem 209, main CPU computer system 210, processors 211, memory anddata storage, software and programs 213, networking devices 214, and theseating unit's main computer control system 215 including one or moremicroprocessors, accordingly the input and output protocol data toassess; the status of the vehicle's environment, the vehicle, andsystems of the vehicle, and sense a driver while sitting in a seatingunit system.

In one embodiment, the seating control systems 23-28 utilize a wirelesscommunication network system 214 which may be any system configured tobe wirelessly coupled to one or more other automobiles, sensors, ingeneral may be arranged to communicate according to one or more othertypes of wireless communication (e.g., protocols) such as Bluetooth,communication protocols described in IEEE 802.11 (including any IEEE802.11 revisions), cellular technology (such as GSM, CDMA, UMTS, EV-DO,WiMAX, or LTE), Zigbee, dedicated short range communications (DSRC), andradio frequency identification (RFID) communications, among otherpossibilities. The network devices 217-219 for a wireless communicationsystem as exampled as a IPAD 217, a cell phone 218, and a remotecontroller device 219, or the like may take other forms as well.

In one embodiment, the power control system 208 comprising methodologiesfor the seating control system to charge user devices, charging systemto comprise at least one charging USB charging port (11) to plug in userdevice to charge battery, to include a charging port comprising: aprofile sensor configured to detect information relating to the identityof power-consuming device to which the charging device is connected; atleast one USB charging port (11) is configured to receive an identityprotocol for connectivity of the charging device plugged into a portsituated the control console device, and the USB charging port device isconfigured to receive an identity of the power-consuming device via aUSB power cable connection, charging device is comprising a main poweradaptor or a AC-DC.

As shown, FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of a seating system 23comprising seating unit 13 for repositioning motion. The seating unit 13may comprise one arm or have a set of two supporting arms, as shown theright arm 14 indirectly accommodates the panel 7 situated relative tothe mounting arm joint (e.g. shown by arrows) for an adjustment process.The arm can be pivoted and spun to adjust position, the arm sectionconnecting to the seats back section is having jointed axis angle forhorizontal orientation basically flipping the arm up so that the usercan get in the seat easier, as well so that the panel 7 can raise up anddown to adjust to the height of the users lap.

In one embodiment the floorboard device 5 comprises a motor device 16and power cable 18, the cab compartment 5 floorboard comprising therepositioning seating system 23 is including a rail system 17 andcontrol system contained beneath to reposition seating groups. Theseating unit is to move in a desired position and may be supported forrepositioning, accordingly the rail system is comprising a rail device17 assembly method which allows preferred orientation seatingpositioning, accordingly the rail device 17 is situated underneath theseat in a preferred arrangement to thusly reposition seat via a poweredseat motor 16. The seating may be manually moved back and forth on arail device surface as illustrated in FIG. 10 to allow access into thevehicle through the door mechanism 6.

As shown, FIG. 4 is a top view of an exemplary diagram of a seatingsystem 24, the seating method is comprising seat unit 13 includingvarious control device components allowing a vehicle operator (e.g.,driver 29) to navigate in manual drive mode and/or when not autonomousdrive mode. The seat control panel peripherals may additionally oralternatively include components other than those shown in theembodiments exampled on the control console device 8 that is including amain CPU computer device 210 and may work in combination with othervehicle control systems.

A user 29/30 employs the seat unit's 13 control console devices placedin/on the frame of the panel 7 is coupled to a seat arm 14, with a leveldevice 15. The panel 7 works like a dash to contain a component in apreferred way and is fabricated by a manufacturer and may includevarious user input devices such as; a lap top computer with touch padand monitor 8, a smart cell phone 9, a hand held controller device 10, aUSB power port with a charger 11, the port is connected by USB powerplug and power cable 18.

-   -   The seating control system devices include the panel 7        containing thereon console components which connect to USB        ports. the user can set a device on the frame 7 to charge can        charge user, other gadgets attached to the console via USB power        ports 11 for charging process via charging system to comprise at        least one charging USB charging port to plug in user device's        battery, and to include a charging port system wherein (not        shown) comprising a profile sensor configured to detect        information relating to the identity of power-consuming device        is connected.    -   The seat unit 13 may be assigned a user/passenger to attach and        plug in their cell phone device 9 in their own console device as        described in FIG. 1A. Another example, returning to FIG. 2, the        seat unit 13 may include various communication network        configurations 214.    -   The seat unit for user protection is to comprise a safety        feature to include a built in air bag device 12 with I/O sensors        205 and 206.    -   The panel may comprise a toggle or a joystick 19 to accelerate        and brake to drive the vehicle.    -   The driver 29 can also use a conventional steering wheel 20        method to drive the vehicle using corresponding accelerator        pedal 21 and brake pedal 22 devices.    -   A seat unit 13 may be configured only to accept input and output        audio command signals from the driver and no other and thus        allowing only the driver access to control the vehicle.    -   The seat unit 13 may comprise a motor device 15 and power cable        18, to rotate via preprogramed system 213 seating system suited        for individual passenger 30 settings with data memory 212.    -   The driver's seating method employs autonomous control modes to        engage a motor's controller to automatically reposition the        drivers seating unit 13D (on point) to reset the seating unit        position at forward heading.

In one embodiment, a user 29/30 input device can be laptop or an IPaddevice 8 when connected onto the panel's frame 7 can be supported whilebeing charge and when disconnect the lap top/Wad device 8 to work as anavigation control device which includes various steering nobs, throttlebuttons and monitor to control the vehicle operating like a remotecontrolled robotic vehicle, or like an unmanned mobile vehicle (UMV), orUAV, or a drone.

In one embodiment, the smart cell phone device 9 when connected onto thepanel's frame can be supported while being charge and when disconnectthe smart cell phone device 9 works as a navigation control device whichincludes various steering nobs, throttle buttons and monitor to controlthe vehicle operating as an example like methods controlling a UMV, orUAV, or a drone.

In one embodiment, the remote controller device 10 when connected ontothe panel's frame can be supported while being charge and whendisconnect the remote controller device 10 works as a navigation controldevice which includes various steering nobs, throttle buttons andmonitor to control the vehicle operating like a UMV/UAV/drone.

As shown in FIG. 5, a system method 25 for the arm apparatus, the methodcomprising at least one adjusting lever device (15), the level allowingthe user 29/30 to adjust the angle of the panel and to extend the paneloutward and retract the panel inward and remove the panel from the armend. The seat unit 13 coupled to the arm apparatus is comprising apositioning angle to move the arm apparatus up and down thusly to aheight above and across users lap.

As shown in FIG. 6, a system method 26 for the a driver 29 employs thepanel 7 with an adjustable range of motion in forward and backward e.g.,detailed by arrows to accommodate positioning near the drivers steeringwheel 20. The seat unit coupled to the arm apparatus is comprising atleast one positioning angle to move the arm apparatus up and down and toheight of the panel over users lap. Whereby a user 29/30 employs thepanel 7 with an adjustable range of motion in forward to be center withthe steering wheel but not touch the wheel so that the wheel can be freeto rotate when driver steers vehicle, and also can access the controlconsole device right in front the steering wheel.

The driver seating control system 26 is further comprising a manualdrive mode, thus accordingly authorizing a vehicle user/driver 25 toemploy the drive logic control system 203 (e.g., autonomous vehicledrive system 200) to plot a course accordingly by using an array ofvarious vehicle control system devices, as well, an automatic drivelogic control system to autonomously activate an occupied seat togradually accelerate into forward position when a problem develops.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the seating control system 27, the seating unit 13rotating to reverse or a rear position. The seat is to face toward therear on the vehicle compartment 5 to group with the seating units forthe passengers 30, and as shown in FIG. 8. A control method forreclining the seating unit 13 to relax when in autonomous drive mode.

As shown in FIG. 7B the seating control system 28 whereby a user suchthe driver 29 employs a seat unit 13, the rotating to reverse or a rearposition and also reclining backward to relax (e.g., the user held in bya 3 point seat belt is not shown). The seat will alarm and slowly raiseswhen a problem is detected the method for this action is not shown.

As shown in FIG. 8 accordingly, as an example when the autonomous drivemode of the vehicle is dynamically in control and is configured to sensea position of a driver 29 and is configured to switch the control ofcorresponding positions of the driver 29 to move in different positions,thusly corresponding sensor data of the automatic driving control systemthereby continuing to sense the position of the driver seat or passenger30 seating unit 13P.

As shown in FIG. 9 a schematic diagram for an autonomous reconfigurableseating system used in the vehicle, the autonomous vehicle process stepscomprising: Select Autonomous Vehicle Drive Logic Control System to PlotCourse; Process Automatically Correct Vehicle Course Sense PotentialProblem; Autonomous Drive Mode ON/OFF Switch to Manual Drive Mode;Repositioning Smart Seat for Manual Control of Vehicle Operation;Manually Control Navigation Operations with Driver Control Devices;Manually Controlling Vehicle Operations with Control Console Devices;Set Smart Seat to a Fixed Forward Position during Manual Drive Mode;Determine Automatic Drive Logic Process; Switch to Autonomous DriveMode; Continue Manual Drive Mode (Yes, No); Reset Smart Seat toReposition to forward direction position, and User Employing ControlConsole I/O Devices (e.g., steps 200-219 to navigate vehicle manually).

As shown in FIGS. 10-13, the autonomous control system for a vehicletype 1, the vehicle examples are shown as multiple passenger vehicles,thereby the vehicle operates according via the automatic drive logiccontrol system of FIG. 2 and FIG. 9 are comprising autonomous and manualdrive modes of operation which communicate data and receive input andoutput data from various processors within the vehicle navigationalcontrol system, the system to include various navigational scanningdevices and tracking devices; lidar, radar and GPS and the like areconfigured to determine a driving path logically for an autonomousvehicle to drive through.

In various aspects, the vehicles a frame and chassis make suiting auser:

-   -   FIG. 10 is a van depicting the seating for the driver 13D, the        seat is shown in motion to reposition;    -   FIG. 11 is a representation for vehicle compartment which suits        a multi-passenger vehicle;    -   FIG. 12 is a compact vehicle shown with a rotating seat array,        and    -   FIG. 13 illustrates a truck for semi hauling or for a recreation        vehicle with reconfigurable seat system is also comprising a        fifth wheel device to connect to a trailer.

In one embodiment, the vehicle cab compartment floorboard to support aseat array and a seat frame comprising various seat assemblies includingpreferred chair parts, materials, motorized actuators and the like.

As an example, FIGS. 1, 8, and FIGS. 10-12 various position informationdata is collected and processed and stored to determine both the driver25 position and compared with the vehicle direction heading and isvisually displayed on the control panel monitor thus to steer on point.

The vehicle cab compartment includes the vehicle door devices 6 which iseither a common hinged door, a sliding door common on vans and islocated on the vehicle body 3 to access the cab compartment, or the doormaybe a batwing type to open upwardly.

A vehicle cab may comprise an expanded set of user input options isincluding a fully-programmable touch screen with control menus andicons, which may be configured to control any function within thevehicle (e.g., navigation system, radio, video, climate control,connected mobile device, etc.) and drive logic (e.g., autonomous mode tothe manual mode of operation CPU computer system).

A telecommunication 209 system and user 25/26 devices such as a smartcell phone network 214 to transmit and present information to a user25/26, to display of the control console device 8/215 which is includingshort range communication protocols such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, theInternet, World Wide Web, intranets, virtual private networks 214, widearea networks, local networks, private networks using communicationprotocols proprietary to one or more companies, Ethernet, WiFi and HTTP,and various combinations of the foregoing. Such communication may befacilitated by any device capable of transmitting data 212 to and fromother computing devices via cell phone 9/216 and radio signals (notshown). The cell phone server may use network 214 to transmit andpresent information to a user, such as user network 214.

The (smart) cell phone 9 embodiment of the present technology, utilizingMEMS and gyroscope schemes, MEMS accelerations of the smart cell phone 9may be measured for six degrees-of-freedom by using a number ofaccelerometers, wherein three accelerations may be measuredcorresponding to the x, y, and z-axes of a Cartesian coordinate system,and wherein three additional accelerations may be measured correspondingto pitch, roll, and rotation of the vehicle (vehicle driving methodologynot shown).

In one embodiment, the vehicle seat unit 13 works as a personalcomputing device including a one or more processors 211 (e.g., a centralprocessing unit (CPU)), memory (e.g., RAM and internal hard drives)storing data 212 and instructions, a display such as the display controlconsole device 8 (e.g., a monitor having a screen, a touch-screen, aprojector, a television, or other device that is operable to displayinformation), and user input devices 205, (e.g., a mouse, keyboard,touch-screen or microphone). The user's computing devices may alsoinclude a camera for recording video streams, speakers, a networkinterface device 213 with cable and USB components 18 used forconnecting these elements to one another.

It will also be understood that the provision of the examples describedherein (as well as clauses phrased as “such as,” “e.g.”, “including” andthe like). As these and other variations and combinations of thefeatures discussed above can be utilized without departing from thesubject matter as defined by the claims.

The specifications discuss in general terms the principal concept forthe vehicle assemblies, programs and software and cellular phone controlapplications, navigation controls and device's also electronic andmechanical components for the chassis and cab compartment contents whichmay be purchased from the manufacturer.

The various embodiments specified seating system contents are describein generic terms and are not technologically precise and thusly asclaimed remains within accordance and it is apparent to those skilled inthe art that many more entailed nuances are possible within the scope ofthe invention.

I claim:
 1. An autonomous vehicle system comprising: an autonomousdriving computer system, various seating control system (23-28) tocontrol a user 29/30 seat unit, seat unit is comprising at least oneadjustable arm supporting one dash panel (7), a control console device(8) thus comprising input and output control devices including; a touchscreen monitor including various user operating gauges, and a cell phonesystem comprising wireless telecommunication voice control to monitorand navigate the vehicle during autonomous driving process, and a radiodevice having transmission communication including signaling andreceiving methods, a seat unit control system comprisingtelecommunication network system methodologies, a power control system,a device charging port, and USB power ports with cable, plugs andconnections.
 2. A vehicle system comprising a frame and chassis typeincluding a cab compartment including a floorboard system supporting atleast one seating unit to reposition in lateral directions.
 3. Theautonomous driving computer system of claim 1 further comprising: thefollowing processes and control modes; an autonomous drive modecomprising: a process to switch a vehicle navigation control system froman autonomous drive mode to a manual drive mode by a drive logiccomputer and processor system comprising: input and output protocol datato assess; the status of the vehicle's environment; the vehicle, andsystems of the vehicle, and sense a driver while sitting in a seatingunit system; a method generating, based on a potential problem ordriving mishap, a set of tasks in an ordered sequence repositioning anddetermining the driver seat unit is facing a forward position, and amethod identifying a set of driving conditions from a plurality ofdriving conditions based on one or more of the assessments, wherein eachof the plurality of driving conditions is associated with a task thatmay be performed by a driver to change the seating unit position inorder to drive vehicle facing forward when seated.
 4. The autonomousvehicle system of claim 1, comprising process steps to switch fromautonomous drive mode to manual drive mode steps including; selectautonomous drive model system to plot course; automatically correctvehicle course upon sensing potential problem; switch to manual drivemode; reposition driver seating unit (13D) to forward direction formanual control of vehicle operation.
 5. The autonomous vehicle system ofclaim 1 further comprising: an automatic drive logic mode to senseposition of the driver seating unit (13D) and to sense position of thepassenger seating unit (13P) when seated.
 6. The autonomous drivingcomputer system of claim 3 comprising various processes to navigate avehicle including; an autonomous drive mode, a manual drive mode anddrive logic mode which communicates data and receives data from variousprocessors within the vehicle navigational mode to control theautonomous vehicle driving process; a panel 7 including a steering wheelto control the autonomous vehicle steering process; a smart cell phonedevice to control the autonomous vehicle driving process, the cell phonedevice comprising a monitor with touch screen and digital displaycontroller buttons, toggles and gauges, MEMS, and gyroscope scheme; adetachable hand held remote controller device to control the autonomousvehicle driving process, the detachable remote controller devicecomprising a monitor with touch screen and display controller buttons,toggles and gauges; a floorboard system comprises a motor device and USBand power cables 18, and other mechanical methods which may utilizehydraulic system with fuel lines, the floorboard system to glide on arail system to reposition seating unit and to move user in both circularand lateral positions (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3).
 7. The seating controlsystem of claim 1, the seat unit 13 whereon comprising one or two armapparatus.
 8. The arm apparatus of claim 7 further comprising: one ormore arm apparatus having a jointed axis which pivots in variouspositions as depicted by arrows and is employed for reattaching thepanel.
 9. The arm apparatus of claim 8 comprising at least one adjustinglever device (15), the level allowing the user or the passengers toadjust the angle of the panel and to extend the panel outward andretract the panel inward and remove the panel from the arm end.
 10. Theseat unit of claim 1 is coupled to the arm apparatus and is comprisingat least one positioning angle to move said arm apparatus up and downand to preferred level and height for accommodating user lap position.11. The steering wheel device of claim 1 comprising a method to besituated center of the panel 7 (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 7B).
 12. Theautonomous drive mode of claim 3, including various system methodologiescomprising: a method including a variety of autonomous and manual drivecommunication devices, a method including input and output devicestransmitting data to various processors within the vehicle navigationalcontrol system comprising: a method including the vehicle navigationsystem to include a manual drive control for a steering wheel device(e.g., as shown by arrows in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 6); a method including adrive logic navigation control system comprising an ON/OFF switchallowing the autonomous drive mode of navigation control to change tothe manual drive mode of navigation control; a manual drive modeauthorizing vehicle driver to drive when a mishap issue developsautomatic drive logic seating unit navigation system to sense positionof the driver.
 13. The seating unit (13) of claim 1 and claim 5 isfurther comprising a method of control to adjust the seating unit'slateral position via a panning cog motor 16 device to reposition in apreferred rotational direction.
 14. The vehicle compartment of claim 1further comprising a rail device for positioning one or more user seatunits in lateral arrangements for one or more seat groupingsarrangements include facing and opposing ways and other seating unitorientations.
 15. A vehicle power control system of claim 1 comprisingmethodologies to systematically maintain a constant charge to a primaryvehicle battery, and also to systematically maintain a constant powersupply to the vehicle seating units to power the input and outputdevices, motors, and to power to charge connected devices.
 16. Theautonomous vehicle seating system comprising: a power control systemcomprising methodologies for the seating control system to charge userdevices, the power control system comprising a charging system to atleast one charging USB charging port to plug in user device's battery,and to include a charging port system, wherein comprising: a profilesensor configured to detect information relating to the identity ofpower-consuming device to which the charging device (not shown) isconnected; at least one USB charging port is configured to receive anidentity protocol for connectivity of the charging device containedinside the panel is not shown, and upon charging the user device whenplugged into a charge port situated the control console device, and theUSB charging port device is configured to receive an identity of thepower-consuming device via a USB power cable connection, charging device(not shown) is comprising a main power adaptor or a AC-DC converter (notshown).
 17. The seating system control console device of claim 16comprising thereon: a method for user to fasten and dock various devicesonto the console surface, a method to charge a user device whenconnected to the USB power charging port, a method for user to employother input and output devices and interactive devices which affix tothe panel.
 18. The power control system of claim 16 further comprising aUSB power port for attaching a device to become connected to be chargedby a system to control a charging device (not shown).
 19. The controlconsole device (8) of claim 1 further comprising a method to affixnumerous user input device onto the panel 7 by a manufacturer using apreferred fabrication method and by using preferred assembly materials.20. The vehicle system of claim 1 further comprising telecommunicationnetwork system methodologies which include a telecommunication 209system and user devices such as a smart cell phone network 214 totransmit and present information to a digital monitor display of thecontrol console device which also is including short range communicationprotocols.